Devine Scripture

Romans 11:14

What does Romans 11:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:14 means

Paul’s hope is practical and pastoral: by any means, he would provoke those who are his “flesh,” fellow Israelites, to a godly jealousy that leads to salvation. He does not presume to save all, but he longs to save “some,” recognizing that God’s grace works through means. The success of the gospel among Gentiles can awaken Israel to the reality and beauty of the Messiah they have missed. This shows Paul’s heart: loyal love for his people and unwavering commitment to the gospel’s power. His strategy is to display grace so attractively that those near to him are stirred to seek it themselves.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If in any way those who are of my flesh may be moved to envy, so that some of them may get salvation by me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

if by any means I shall arouse to jealousy mine own flesh, and shall save some of them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If, by any means, I may provoke to emulation them who are my flesh and may save some of them.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

if by any means I shall provoke to jealousy [them which are] my flesh, and shall save some from among them.

Context

Verse 14 completes Paul’s explanation of why he magnifies his Gentile ministry (verse 13). The aim is Israel’s good, not their eclipse. This leads directly to verse 15’s bold vision of what Israel’s acceptance would mean for the world—“life from the dead.” The movement from personal desire to cosmic consequence keeps the reader focused on God’s far-reaching plan that integrates both Gentile inclusion and Israel’s restoration.

v.13But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

v.14This passage

v.15For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 11:11

    I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:16

    For how knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O husband, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

  • 1 Corinthians 1:21

    For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

  • Philemon 1:12

    whom I have sent back to thee in his own person, that is, my very heart:

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